New option for choosing a major

So, they may select a liberal arts program or some other degree
option just so they will be considered a matriculated (degree
seeking) student and eligible for financial aid.

The problem is that many times the students lose interest in the
major they've selected and then drop out. However, starting with
the spring 2001 semester, County College of Morris will be offering
a new option for such students.

The "undeclared" program of study will give students the
opportunity to at tend college for a full time semester with a
maximum of 12 credits before declaring a major. They will still be
considered matriculated students and eligible for financial
aid.

"It is our sense that 20 to 25 percent of students coming in are
undecided about their major," said Jim McCarthy, director of
admissions at County College of Morris. "The biggest benefit of the
new program will be identifying those students who are
undecided."

McCarthy said that previously most students who were undecided
would just quickly pick any major. Many selected humanities/social
science because they saw it as a general type of
category.

But, there were some who selected no major but decided to be
unmatriculated students and forego financial aid. The college was
unaware of the students' feelings of career path uncertainty and
could not provide the career advisement or support these students
needed. So, many times they became at risk of not completing a
degree, McCarthy said.

Now, besides giving students the opportunity to take courses for
a semester before selecting a major, the "undeclared" program also
provides students with guidance and support. This includes a
workshop, "Career Pathways and Majors," which all students in the
undeclared option must attend before finishing the first
semester.

"The workshop makes students think about what they like to do,
what they are good at," said McCarthy.

Through interest and personality tests, students will get a
better idea of the major that suit them best. Once they have
decided on an area of interest, a faculty member from the area will
be assigned to them as an advisor.

Many four-year colleges have similar programs but County College
of Morris is among a handful of New Jersey two-year colleges to
offer an "undeclared" program of study, McCarthy said.

For information, call the County College of Morris admission's
office at (973) 328-5100.

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In recent weeks, Long Hill Township and Watchung Borough passed ordinances allowing their police departments to be able to apply for surplus equipment from the Department of Defense. Long Hill recently procured a Humvee to use in times of flooding, which Watchung states as the reason they are getting into the program. However, in cities around the country, police forces have used the program to obtain military gear, such as weapons and armor.
For more background, go to the link below
http://www.newjerseyhills.com/echoes-sentinel/news/watchung-police-department-hopes-to-receive-equipment-from-department-of/article_12ad002a-92b3-5449-a2cc-4b2cf0ce4339.html